November is typically one of the highest months for reported thefts on campus. Hodges Library has already seen an increase in theft of laptops and other valuable items this month. In most reports, students noted they left their item “for just a moment” and then returned to find the item stolen. UTPD encourages students and staff to never leave valuables unsecured, even for just a moment.

Additionally, we encourage people to not leave valuables or other items that could be perceived to be valuables in plain sight in their parked vehicle. There have been several recent vehicle burglary reports in which perpetrators burglarized a vehicle, stealing a plain-view GPS or cell phone charging cord. We encourage students to take a few extra moments to remove criminal opportunity by always securing your valuables.

— Lt. Emily M. Simerly, Administrative Affairs, Public Information Officer